Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
08:08
Comparing the Frequency Effect Between the Lexical Decision and Naming Tasks in Chinese
Published on: April 1, 2016
Neural correlates of lexical access during visual word recognition
J R Binder1, K A McKiernan, M E Parsons
1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA. jbinder@mcw.edu
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience
|May 6, 2003
Summary
This study used fMRI to explore how the brain distinguishes real words from nonwords. Findings reveal distinct neural pathways for semantic word processing versus grapheme-to-phoneme mapping in nonwords.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psycholinguistics
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Distinguishing real words from nonwords relies on accessing specific lexical and semantic information.
- Previous research suggests distinct neural mechanisms underlie word recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural correlates of word identification using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- To differentiate brain activation patterns for real words versus word-like nonwords, considering lexical properties.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed a visual lexical decision task emphasizing accuracy.
- fMRI data analyzed to contrast activation for words and nonwords, varying lexical neighborhood size.
- Neural responses associated with semantic and non-semantic lexical information were examined.
Main Results:
- Robust differences in brain activation observed between words and nonwords.
- Words activated a left hemisphere network linked to semantic processing; nonwords activated a posterior inferior frontal area linked to grapheme-to-phoneme mapping.
- No brain areas showed increased activation with larger lexical neighborhood size, contrary to lexicon-based models.
Conclusions:
- Neural correlates for accessing specific word information were identified.
- The absence of lexical neighborhood effects supports an interpretation based on semantic access.
- Results are unlikely due to task-specific confounds, highlighting distinct neural processes in word recognition.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Vision
Vision is the result of light being detected and transduced into neural signals by the retina of the eye. This information is then further analyzed and interpreted by the brain. First, light enters the front of the eye and is focused by the cornea and lens onto the retina—a thin sheet of neural tissue lining the back of the eye. Because of refraction through the convex lens of the eye, images are projected onto the retina upside-down and reversed.
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
01:10Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
01:14Brain Imaging
Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
01:12Visual Agnosia
Visual agnosia is a condition characterized by the inability to recognize visually presented objects despite having normal vision. For instance, a person with visual agnosia can describe the shape and color of an object but cannot identify or name it. This impairment does not affect their visual field, acuity, color vision, brightness discrimination, language, or memory. An example of this condition in a social setting is someone at a dinner party asking for "that silver thing with a round end"...
01:24Working Memory
Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this information.